New MOPS Meets
Moms of Preschoolers, MOPS will meet the first Tuesday of every month beginning with the first Tuesday in September ( Sept. 2nd) from 9:30-11 a.m. at Bay Life Church at 1017 Kingsway Rd. Those interested in more info can call Bay Life at 661-3696 or Marie Sultzbach at 643-0003.

Stein Mart Fashions Modeled for Women's Lunch
Fashions by Stein Mart will be modeled during the Christian Woman's luncheon at noon Monday, September the 8 at the River Hills Country Club located at 3943 New River Hills Parkway in Valrico. Models will be Marie Platt, Dorothy Hughes, June Hall, Helen Cutlip, Holly Logan, Nancy Spoone, Rhonda Halsey and Bunny Kinzer.

Please call Mary at 643-4493 or Dixie, 671-7517 for reservations or information. Childcare provided at no cost. Reservations must be in by September 5.
Bible Studies are being formed for the fall. If interested in a home study call Millie Warren at 684-1257. The studies are from a non-denominational organization called Stonecroft Ministries. Deadline for reservations is Sept. 6.

Newcomers Club Hosts Luncheon
The Brandon Newcomers Club had their Installation of Officers for the year 2003-2004 on Wednesday June 18th, 2003 at "The Tropics" at Bahia Beach. The Officers installed were: President Penny Kelly, Vice President Lorraine Pinette, Secretary Kathleen Taylor, Treasurer Eunice Lusk Member-At-Large Betty Cocchiola.

The club will start their new season on Wednesday, September 17, at 9:30 a.m.The meetings are held at Center Place at 619 Vonderburg Dr. The guest speaker is Sadie Smith. Smith will give her portrayal of the famous Quaker American, Betsy Ross. Smith has performed this portrayal both locally and at a reunion of World War II veterans at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Visitors are welcome. For any further information call Penny Kelly at 689-2776 or Gale Hyatt at 677-2410.

DAR Meets
Brandon area Daughters of the American Revolution will meet Thursday, September 4, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Brandon, Mary Standaert, Regent, has announced. The enlightening program will be "9 - 11 Then and Two Years Later" with speaker Roger Picard, a firefighter and paramedic, and K-9 Jessie, his dog. Hostesses for the Alafia River Chapter NSDAR evening will be Becky Johnston and Elizabeth McNair.

Women interested in membership in the organization, or information about the meeting may call Linda Soloski - 681-9024, or go to www.rootsweb.com/~FLARCDAR.

Upromise Make's it Easy!
America's leading companies can help you save thousands for college. When you join Upromise, companies will contribute up to 10% of what you spend with them into a savings account that you can use for yourself, your children, grandchildren, or any future student you would like to support. A few of the national participating companies are McDonalds, ToysRUs, Circuit City, Century 21, GM, Staples, Exxon Mobil, Citibank, AT&T, Borders, hundreds of restaurants and online retailers. Upromise also makes it easy for other family members to link their everyday spending to the account and help save even more. Join with free enrollment and the exciting option of linking this account to a section 529 college savings plan. For information, call Rob at 654-8006 for fundraising ideas on this great program!

Princess House Open House
Local Princess House Products Hostesses Michelle Daniels and Lynne Mynch will offer a free open house at Center Place on 9/11/2003 at 7 p.m. "We will have displays of our products, and we will be introducing our new Fall Holiday collection," describes Mynch. "We will also be offering information on our business opportunity for those interested in earning some extra income. This is the perfect time for those looking to earn some extra spending money and name their hours."

There will be a brief demonstration. Everyone attending will be given a ticket toward door prizes. Extra incentives for those booking a party. Light snacks will be served.

AAUW Launches 2003 Program
Brandon Branch, American Association of University Women will launch their 2003-04 program with a membership tea at the home of Ruth Crittenden on Sunday, September 21, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, life-long education and positive societal change.

Membership in AAUW is open to those with a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. Undergraduates enrolled in a regionally accredited two-or-four year institution may become student affiliates. Another membership category "Friends of Branch," is available to those women who lack the academic credentials, but support the mission of AAUW.

Brandon Branch is a member of the Presidents' Roundtable of Brandon. Since its inception, the branch has staffed a "Treat Table" at Center Place's Halloween Horribles Parade.

The Literature Study group will meet at the home of Nancy Hollowell on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coragessan Boyle.

Membership information may be obtained from Arlene, 689-8457 or Mary Ann, 681-4502.

Boyette Springs Ice Cream Social
In August, the Boyette Springs Homeowner's Association (BSHOA) hosted an ice cream social for the residents at Boyette Springs Park. Jumbo the Magic Clown, an area favorite, entertained the children and a great time was had by all. Various cool treats were distributed free of charge to the appreciative little ones by members of the BSHOA board of directors. This was a great way to meet other community residents and for the kids to have a grand time. The BSHOA would like to thank Gina Miles of Prudential Robertson Realty, Inc. and Vice President of the BSHOA Board of Directors for sponsoring this terrific event.
Since the Community Wide Garage Sale held recently was rained out, another is planned for Saturday, October 4. The sale is sponsored, with thanks, by Gloria Devine of Coldwell Banker Realtors. Postcards with additional information will be mailed to each resident in the near future.

The BSHOA is still looking for residents to join the Neighborhood Watch. If you are interested in joining with your neighbors to make this a safer place to live, please email your name and phone number to us at bshoa@ij.net, type Neighborhood Watch in the subject line and you will be contacted. A meeting devoted specifically to this program is being planned and particulars will be available soon. Look for signs at all of the entrances.

Other upcoming BSHOA items are a general community meeting in mid-September and, since they were such a hit last year, a Fall Festival at the park and Best Holiday Decorated Home.

Bingo Fundraiser
The St. Stephen Parent-Teacher-Community Organization will host its Bingo Night Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Bell Shoals Road. The cost is $15 for 20 games with a possible jackpot of $225 plus door prizes and refreshments, including grilled hot dogs and pizza.

The evening features an experienced caller and professional bingo equipment. Proceeds from this month's games will go to the Angels Among Us Dinner-Auction to benefit St. Stephen Catholic School. Call 689-4900 for details.

Heron Glen Bunco Night
FishHawk residents, Bunco Night is set for Tuesday evening,September 30, at 7:30 p.m. Bring $5, an appetizer to share, your beverage and a friend! Participation is limited to the first 16 ladies who RSVP (16 players and 2 alternates) . Not limited to Heron Glen residents. Please RSVP to Kerri McDougald at 643-2394.

The September meeting for the FishHawk Book Club is set for Wednesday Sept. 10 7:00-9:00. This month's book is "The Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisberger. We will meet at Valarie Intille's home at 14925 Heronglen Drive. We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP to Kerri McDougald at 643-2394.

Tampa Bay Kennel Club Dog Show Held at Tampa Fair
Riverview resident Daniel Peregolise earned a fourth prize ribbon for his competence in the ring presenting his Bichon Rise puppy, Peregolise Indiana Jones at the Tampa Bay Kennel Club Dog Show held in July. Over 20 Junior Handlers were registered to take part in daily competitions that took place at the Florida State Fair Grounds.

Robin's Florist and Designs
Robin's Florist and Designs is planning a community outreach program for "Good Neighbor Day". This event will take place on Wednesday, September 3. Robin's Florist will be giving out 1000 roses (by the dozen) on a first come, first serve basis. These are free, all you have to do is promise to give eleven of the twelve roses away to your friends or people you meet. They are located at 4336 Bell Shoals Rd. For more information, call 651-4472.

Longaberger Hope Brunch
Help weave a difference! Join us on Saturday, September 20 at 10 a.m. at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Parkway. Each guest receives the Longaberger 2003 Horizon of Hope Basket. A portion of each basket sold benefits the American Cancer Society.

Come see how the Longaberger heirloom baskets are created. A basket-weaving artisan from Longaberger will demonstrate the art of weaving Longaberger baskets during the morning. Auction and raffle proceeds will be contributed to the American Cancer Society.

Brunch tickets are $50. For tickets contact Laura Moller at 655-9349.

Victoria's Offers Free Workshop
Victoria's School of Dance will offer a free clogging workshop on Thursday, September 4, 6 p.m. at the school located at 903 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in the Lithia Square Shopping Center.

Other new classes include Creative Movement for children with special needs, ballet, tumbling, jazz, tap, modern improv and ethnic. For details, call 661-1172 or email luv2dance@tampabay.rr.com.

RIVERVIEW AREA

Faussett Earns Eagle Scout Honor
Eagle Scout Jason Faussett is in Boy Scout troop 110, which meets at Apostle Lutheran Church on Kingsway Road in Brandon. Jason started as a tiger cub scout in 1st grade and has been able to advance to Eagle Scout this year. For Jason's Eagle project he helped beautify and enhance the safety of Sadie Park's playground area. Jason had a group of fellow boy scouts, members of his SPIN club from Brandon High School, family and friends to help him with his project. One group pulled weeds in front of the recreation building and then put down mulch. Meanwhile, a second group raked and bagged leaves. Then they added sand around the playground where the ground was hard. This will help soften any falls the children may have. The project took 2 Saturdays in April to complete. Along with planning time, the project required a total of 24 hours. Jason's Eagle ceremony took place on the night of June 28th, 2003 at 7:30 PM. It was held at the Apostles Lutheran Church, Brandon.

Kurtz Earns Perfect FCAT Score
Alex Kurtz does it again! He was on Channel 13 news, Thursday, May 22nd for his perfect scores, in reading and math, on his FCAT. Alex's homeroom teacher relayed this information a day before the FCAT scores officially reached the schools. Alex is 13 years old and attends the Booker T. Washington Magnet School. In previous years Alex has done well getting one or two wrong on his FCAT. But this year not only does Alex have a lot to brag about, but B.T. Washington got the highest writing scores on the FCAT in Hillsborough County and the third highest in the state.

Kids Designer Lauches Website
Trudy Ruiz, artist and interior designer, has just launched her website at www.wedokidsrooms.com. This site displays a showcase of rooms that Trudy has already created and designed. There is also a page that lets you in on designer tips and tricks, which is updated monthly. While you are visiting the site, sign up for the free quarterly e-newsletter. Ruiz incorporates wall murals, window treatments, wallpaper, crisp color palettes, and decorative painting techniques to create custom and unique, one-of-a-kind bedrooms. Trudy can be reached at 546-0547 or e-mail trudy@wedokidsrooms.com.

Stage Door Productions Present Cinderella
The Stage Door Production Theatre Group will perform a presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Winthrop Barn Theater, which is located on the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Watson Road. There will be performances on July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 at 8:00 p.m. On July 5, 6, and 12 there will be a 3 p.m. matinee performance. Tickets are available at the Green Boutique, Patio Shack, and Otto's Doors, located on Hwy. 60. For additional information call 213-8783.

BloodNet USA Welcomes New Representative
Bloodnet USA welcomes Gail Woods as their new representative for the Lithia/Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City, Ruskin and Wimauma areas. Woods comes to Bloodnet after working in the customer service area of banking. She enjoys working with people, and wanted to do something different. If you would like to contact her regarding Bloodnet USA, please call 1-800-683-8355.

Riverview Library Events
Florida Library Youth Program: Hats Off To Reading at the River Branch Library
Summer Reading: Wednesday at 3:30 pm for ages 6-12.

July 2, Rambling Jack and Friends, Appalachian Jack has his own unique way of doing things. Travel with Jack and share his adventures as he meets a giant three "Sillies" and interesting characters from other cultures that are as silly as he!

July 16, Food, Yummy and weird things to eat…how about an elf who likes pie, a cat who eats too much popcorn, a very thirsty frog, and a bear who comes to dinner. Find out about these and other super-eaters!
July 23, Yummy Stories for the Tummy - Enjoy stories, jokes, games, poetry and many other activities about Food! Dance with "40 Performing Bananas," play the "Really Big Sandwich Game." And enjoy the feast of books in this program.

Little Theatre Presents Lucky Stiff
Riverview Little Theatre will be presenting Lucky Stiff directed by Brian Kleinschmidt and under the artistic direction of Kathy Buck and the Riverview High School Drama Booster Club. Performances will take place on July 17, 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and July 27 at 2:00 p.m. The price of the tickets will be $7. The production will take place at Riverview High School. For Tickets and Information contact Ellen Kleinschmidt 813-671-5011, ext 259.

Summerfield's New Resource Officer
Summerfield residents had a chance to meet their new community resource deputy Rick Clinger at the recent community meeting. A previous 10-year Summerfield resident, Clinger says you will see him around on Wednesdays and Thursdays and should stop him or contact him if you have any specific concerns about the community's safety. His desk number is 247-0455 or contact Cindy Hamm of UPI to obtain his pager number.

Summerfield Dues Increase For Area Improvements
By Sharon Still
Summerfield Crossings residents may not all agree about how developer Lennar Homes and management association University Property Incorporated (UPI) went about increasing quarterly homeowner's association dues from $90 to $100, but most residents are in consensus that it's in the best interest of the community.

At June's annual meeting of the master association, several residents told Lennar what they thought about having all of the budget amendments passed. Lennar Homes and UPI reported to the attendees that despite the lack of a quorum in attendance, the developer has right to pass the item, since those who did vote on it, voted positively.

"Why did we even vote then?" grumbled several people from the crowd after Lennar asked for a resident vote in May.

"The residents of Summerfield voted to disapprove the proposed budget voted on May 21," Kay and Richard Patterson told the Osprey Observer. "Lennar Homes has decided to ignore the balloting and raise the Association dues and that seems in direct opposition to the will of the residents."

"It's not that we disagree with what's being done, it is how it is being done," Bob Rose remarked. "You seem to be putting us in an adversarial position because you don't let people know what you're doing."

Other residents, including Joe Potter, who served on a resident Ad Hoc committee that studied the increase, supported Lennar, saying that the developer had indeed listened to the residents. "The developer could have raised the dues more, but took the advice of the Ad Hoc committee."

The current board updated residents on all of the upcoming events, projects and committees that would benefit the community. New equipment recently arrived for the exercise room and an adult activity center is now set up in the back room at Town Hall, while committees for communications, social activities and finance have started meeting to discuss issues. Future plans include upgrading Town Hall, refurbishing and painting the pool area and sprucing up entryways to the various neighborhoods. Additionally, a community party will be held to celebrate the grand re-opening of Town Hall.

At the next community association meeting, residents will vote on the board of directors. Candidates include 19-year Summerfield resident Jeff Barnes, Meadow Brook resident Lee Ann Daley and Timothy Stutsman.

Kash N' Karry & Beef O' Brady's Sign on to Long Awaited Summerfield Plaza
By Sharon Still
Yes, Summerfield residents, it is true - a Kash 'N Karry grocery store within a few miles should be open by early 2004, according to Kash 'N Karry's real estate manager Earl Wesson. "We hope to break ground any day now," he says.

At least, that's what the developer NRG Investments is reporting to Wesson. Rumors and conflicting stories have been going around for months now and although the developer would not return phone calls, here is what we know.
If and when the project comes to fruition, the strip-like center to be located on Big Bend Road, just east of U.S. Hwy. 301, will be anchored by a 38,000-sq.-ft. Kash 'N Karry with 6-12 retail stores and offices, ranging in size from 1,500-3,000 square feet on either side.

As for the rumors about a possible Lowe's, Home Depot or Tire Kingdom, according to our sources, none of these companies has signed a lease.

One confirmed tenant is a 3,000-sq.-ft. Beef O' Brady's restaurant, owned by local franchisee owners Bud and Sandi Hunt. The Hunts also own the Riverview and Apollo Beach locations. "We are really excited about the new location," says Bud. "However, we signed the lease eight months ago and were told that ground breaking would be in six weeks." He adds that he has been told that at least five times during the past eight months.

Wesson says that although the sign announcing its arrival has been up since last year sometime, Kash 'N Karry only finalized the lease in early 2003. He reports that the store will mirror the recently built store located at State Road 60 and Miller Road. He adds that he was told that many other tenants have signed leases in the plaza.

At press time, the ground remained unturned at the site reserved for Summerfield Center. For leasing information, call Leroy Gonzalez at 681-1646.